Muslim gangs recruiting UK prisons' nastiest cons, claims ex-inmate

London, Apr.18 (ANI): Muslim gangs are reportedly recruiting some of Britain's most violent lags, according to a former gangster.

"They are now the main firm in the prison. The authorities, and other prisoners are terrified of them," News of The World quoted ex-con Dave Courtney, as saying.

The 51-year-old spent six months in Belmarsh on remand for possessing a handgun before being cleared at the Old Bailey in December.

He said: "I did time in Belmarsh a decade ago but what struck me this time was the drive to convert prisoners to Islam. The rate of conversion is frightening. And no one is converting for religious reasons. It's now trendy to be part of the Muslim movement ."

"What they get are some of the nastiest, most violent prisoners to swell their ranks. All the really violent gangs, like the Yardies and the Somalians are joining up and converting," he added.

The con-turned-crime author has documented the rise of ethnic gang cultures in his film, Triads, Yardies and Onion Bhajees, which is released on DVD on Monday.

It was originally made in 2003 - but banned after it caused uproar in the Southall community for its portrayal of Asian gang violence. (ANI)